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Page 218
guest so graciously. The thing was that I was delayed in a necessary visit to Salisbury, and when I finally arrived, he was all but mounting up to come here. Naturally he returned within, but when he heard my business, he suggested I come here with him. I demurred, not being invited, but Salisbury said he thought he had enough credit with you to buy my pardon."
Ian laughed. "Neither you nor he need any pardon. Had I known you willing, you would have been asked. Truly we limited our asking for our guests' sakes. Simon, as you know, was no favorite of the king's. John had wished Alinor to be married to a henchman of his own. He was not best pleased when Simon took her. I do not know why the king should have any objection to our marriage, but if he should feel we have played some trick on him"
"Why make trouble for your friends? Yes, I see."
While they spoke, Oxford had helped Ian to a chair by the hearth. A maidservant stopped gathering the scraps from the table into a basket, which would be given to the poor at the castle gates, and fetched a footstool. She was obviously afraid, however, to touch Ian's bad leg, and Oxford bent forward and lifted it gently.
"There is no need, my lord," Ian protested.
"Will you be tied by the leg for long?" Oxford asked, ignoring Ian's polite disclaimer. From his tone it was plain that the enquiry was purposeful, not a courtesy.
"I hope not," Ian replied sincerely. "It is already less swollen and painful. Alinor says I did not break the bone. A week or two should mend it."
"I am happy to hear it, although even a month or two more or less would not affect my interest."
"You have some work for me, my lord?" Ian asked cautiously.
"Let us say rather some enterprise in which you may wish to have a part."
If William of Salisbury knew of this, it could not be treason. Auberey de Vere, as much as Ian knew of

 
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